Astronomers snap magnetic fields swirling around black hole

"...there are strong, twisted, and organized magnetic fields near the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy."

U. Arizona • futurity
April 2, 2024 ~9 min

Privatised Moon landings: the two US missions set to open a new era of commercial lunar exploration

The Peregrine and Nova-C landers are due to carry out valuable science at two diverse lunar locations.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 2, 2024 ~8 min


Earth's magnetic field protects life on Earth from radiation, but it can move, and the magnetic poles can even flip

Ever seen the northern lights? You have a magnetic layer in Earth’s atmosphere to thank for those beautiful displays. But the magnetosphere does a lot more than create auroras.

Ofer Cohen, Associate Professor of Physics and Applied Physics, UMass Lowell • conversation
Nov. 27, 2023 ~8 min

How do astronomers know the age of the planets and stars?

Measuring the ages of planets and stars is tricky. An observational astrophysicist describes the subtle clues that provide good estimates for how old different space objects are.

Adam Burgasser, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Oct. 2, 2023 ~6 min

Revisiting timeline that pinpoints when Mars lost its dynamo

A study of magnetic fields suggests the Red Planet held water for longer than previously believed.

Clea Simon • harvard
July 11, 2023 ~6 min

Quantum physics proposes a new way to study biology – and the results could revolutionize our understanding of how life works

Studying the brief and tiny quantum effects that drive living systems could one day lead to new approaches to treatments and technologies.

Clarice D. Aiello, Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
May 15, 2023 ~9 min

How do superconductors work? A physicist explains what it means to have resistance-free electricity

Superconductors are materials that can transmit electricity without any resistance. Researchers are getting closer to creating superconducting materials that can function in everyday life.

Mishkat Bhattacharya, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
March 24, 2023 ~6 min

Patients suffering with hard-to-treat depression may get relief from noninvasive magnetic brain stimulation

Patients who undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation say it’s painless, with few to no side effects. The treatment isn’t yet widely accessible, but for those who use it, the effects can be profound.

Patricia Junquera, Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Services, Florida International University • conversation
Nov. 16, 2022 ~7 min


Star may offer clues to 300-year-old sunspot mystery

A nearby sun-like star may help solve a 300-year-old mystery of the "Maunder Minimum," a 70-year period when sunspots were incredibly rare.

Gail McCormick-Penn State • futurity
March 24, 2022 ~8 min

Solar storms can destroy satellites with ease – a space weather expert explains the science

Space weather can affect satellites in a number of different ways, from frying electronics to increasing drag in the atmosphere.

Piyush Mehta, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University • conversation
March 2, 2022 ~10 min

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